Skilled Migration

Riverina Skilled Migration Program

RDA-Riverina was authorised as a gazetted Regional Certifying Body (RCB) as of November 2009, appointed by the Minister for Immigration for the purposes of the Migration Act.

Image Credit - The Last Run - Jamie Blair

RDA-Riverina invites skilled migrants to enjoy the lifestyle of regional Australia by applying for sponsorship to live and work in the Riverina region under either the individual Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489) or the Employer Nominated Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) visa (RSMS). The RSMS visa enables regional employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers and employ them to work in skilled vacant positions which cannot be filled using the local labour market.

Under the subclass 489 visa, the RCB assists overseas skilled workers wishing to migrate to Australian through the NSW State Regional nomination.

Under the RSMS visa, the RCB assists employers to permanently employ overseas skilled workers by assessing the Employer Nomination applications which are submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.

RDA-Riverina RCB is able to provide information only in the scope of the relevant schemes, noted above, that are specifically directed at attracting Skilled Migrants to regional Australia. Advice on general migration matters cannot be provided.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

RDA-Riverina provides an assessment for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)Visa as a Regional Certifying Body (RCB). This visa enables skilled migrants to work for a regional employer for a minimum of two years and enjoy the lifestyle of regional Australia.

The program aims to attract young, skilled, English speaking migrants to areas of Australia where they are most needed. Generally, skilled migrants are under 45 years of age, have competent English, at least diploma/trade level qualifications or above (nominated position must be an ANZSCO skill level 1-3 occupation) and relevant work experience.

If the nominee requires a Skills Assessment to be included with their visa application when submitting to the Department of Home Affairs please check with the Assessing Authority their time frame in processing the skills assessment as they may take up to six months to provide.

NB: Please allow approximately one month for applications to be processed; therefore employers need to consider this when submitting their application. The employer may also be required to pay an additional fee to the Department of Home Affairs. See the website above for details.

It is recommended that employers contact the RDA-Riverina Skilled Migration Officer, Faye Anderson –on either 02 5924 5861 or by email migration@rdariverina.org.au to discuss the details further. Office Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9.00am-5.00pm

Image Credit - Tiki Paton

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

This visa is referred to as the Subclass 489 visa. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Skill Select.

RDA-Riverina welcomes overseas skilled workers to apply for regional nomination. Skill shortages exist in many parts of Australia, in particular regional Australia, which allows RDA-Riverina to nominate skilled workers to come to the Riverina. This is just one way the organisation is committed to addressing skill shortages and to enhance business development in the region.

The long term objective is to encourage these people to stay in the region. This visa is valid for up to four years, however, after two years of living in regional Australia, including at least 12 months full time working in regional Australia; sponsored skilled workers are able to apply for a permanent visa.

Am I eligible for this Visa?

To determine if you are likely to be eligible for nomination it is best to ensure that you:

Meet the basic requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs and obtain at least 60 points in the General Skilled Migration Points Test including 10 points for Regional nomination.

Be under 45 years of age when applying (provide a certified copy of passport).

Be able to pay the Nomination Fee of AUD $770.00 (incl. GST). For details contact the Skilled Migration Officer.

We occasionally put a hold on some nominated occupations until the need increases. Applications are assessed on a case by case basis depending on the region’s skills needs.

How do I apply for a Visa nomination?

To apply for visa nomination, you must first express your interest by forwarding a copy of your CV/resume, English Language Test and Skills Assessment to the RDA-Riverina Skilled Migration Officer, Faye Anderson - migration@rdariverina.org.auOffice Hours: Monday to Wednesday 9.00am-5.00pm

Administration fee

RDA-Riverina provides these services through its Skilled Migration Officer and an administration fee applies for assessing and processing applications. This amount is in addition to any Visa application fee payable to the Department of Home Affairs.

The fee for certification/nomination is as follows and is payable by cheque or direct deposit (credit cards not accepted). For bank details please contact the Riverina Skilled Migration Officer.

Effective from 1 July 2017 RDA Riverina Administration fees are:

RSMS Subclass 187 visa

AUD$770 (incl. GST)

Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) subclass 489 visa

AUD$770.00 (incl GST) for onshore applicants

AUD$770.00 for offshore applicants

NB: Applications received for offshore applicants are GST free.

The Administration Fee is non-refundable, regardless if sponsorship is granted or not.

Why choose the Riverina?

The Riverina is a dynamic region of Australia that boasts a diverse range of industries. You can find out more about the nature and extent of these industries within the RDA-Riverina website.

Further information on the Riverina and job opportunities can also be found on the following websites: